CVE-2021-24738 : Security Advisory and Response

WordPress Logo Carousel plugin before version 3.4.2 is vulnerable to Stored Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) attacks, allowing users with roles as low as Contributor to exploit the issue.

Understanding CVE-2021-24738

This CVE-2021-24738 affects the Logo Carousel WordPress plugin, specifically versions prior to 3.4.2. The lack of validation and escaping in the "Logo Margin" carousel option leads to Stored Cross-Site Scripting vulnerabilities.

What is CVE-2021-24738?

The Logo Carousel WordPress plugin before version 3.4.2 fails to validate and escape input in the "Logo Margin" carousel option, enabling users with minimal roles like Contributor to execute Stored Cross-Site Scripting attacks.

The Impact of CVE-2021-24738

The vulnerability allows low-privileged users to inject malicious scripts into the plugin, potentially compromising the security and integrity of the WordPress site, leading to unauthorized access and data theft.

Technical Details of CVE-2021-24738

The technical details of CVE-2021-24738 include:

Vulnerability Description

The vulnerability arises from the lack of input validation and escaping in the "Logo Margin" carousel option, paving the way for Stored Cross-Site Scripting attacks by unauthorized users.

Affected Systems and Versions

Logo Carousel WordPress plugin versions less than 3.4.2 are affected by this vulnerability.

Exploitation Mechanism

Attackers with as low as Contributor roles can exploit this vulnerability by manipulating the "Logo Margin" parameter to inject malicious scripts and execute them within the plugin's context.

Mitigation and Prevention

To mitigate the risks associated with CVE-2021-24738, consider the following steps:

Immediate Steps to Take

Update the Logo Carousel plugin to version 3.4.2 or higher to patch the vulnerability.
Monitor user permissions and restrict the capabilities of low-privileged users to minimize the impact of potential attacks.

Long-Term Security Practices

Regularly update plugins and themes to their latest versions to ensure security patches are applied promptly.
Conduct security audits and penetration testing to identify and address vulnerabilities proactively.

Patching and Updates

Stay informed about security advisories related to WordPress plugins and promptly apply patches to ensure the security of your WordPress websites.